( LEFT )
Dr. Vance Lannaman (right), whose vision was realised with the establishment of the Caribbean Maritime Institute, accepts an award from CMI Chairman Captain Hopeton DeLisser.
( RIGHT )
Horace Clarke (right), who was Minister responsible for Transport during the establishment of the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), accepts an award for his support from CMI Chairman Captain Hopeton DeLisser. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
The following is a message of thanksgiving delivered by Grantley Stephenson, chairman and CEO of Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), on the 60th anniversary of KWL, at the Kingston Parish Church on Sunday, October 2.
SIXTY YEARS ago, a sharp-eyed and sea-wise captain of a fully-laden merchant ship approached one of the world's finest natural harbours. He gazed at the emerald mountains that embraced the bustling city of Kingston and smiled as he looked forward to spending some time in the island known by all as 'the jewel of the Caribbean'.
Even as the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean lapped gently against the sides of his ship, he knew that it would take all his skill to guide his vessel and its valuable cargo safely toward the docks. But help was in sight.
"See there ... straight ahead!" he alerted his pilot, for he had seen the guiding marker that would take them safely to the docks of the newly established Kingston Wharves Limited.
And what was that reliable guide for his ship and many others? It was the spire of this noble Church, the Kingston Parish Church, that in those days guided all vessels safely to Kingston Harbour and Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL).
So today, my fellow worshippers, we do well to begin our celebration of KWL's 60th anniversary with this service of thanksgiving at the Kingston Parish Church with which we share a proud and interrelated history.
Indeed, much has changed in the 60 years since the four piers at Princess Street, Orange Street, Hanover Street and East Street were amalgamated on October 1, 1945 to form KWL.
Even as skyrise buildings rose throughout the city to block the mariners' view of this Church's lofty spires, so too did the old finger piers of downtown Kingston make way for a new and modern port.
Visionaries Moses Matalon, Fred Kennedy and Charles DaCosta spearheaded the negotiations with Government for the move that was to create Port Bustamante. In 1964, Kingston Wharves Limited took the decision to relocate its port facilities to the western extremity of Kingston Harbour, hence the birth of Newport West.
Today, we have much to thank the Lord for:
Kingston Wharves Limited has become one of the Caribbean's leading multipurpose terminal operators, experiencing steady growth and a steady profit stream with a high proportion of retained earnings ploughed back into the business.
A continuous quay of nearly 1,600 metres in length provides nine deep-water berths for container, ro-ro, general break bulk and bulk shipping services.
The terminal offers 22 hectares of open storage with 30,000 square metres of covered warehousing and cold storage.
And the company also has 53,000 square metres of secure off-dock storage for motor vehicles.
But while we give thanks for the quantifiable growth, we also give thanks for some things that have not changed.
We are thankful that the Lord has kept us focused on serving our country so that Kingston Wharves Limited can be an efficient hub for the economic and social development of our nation. To this end:
We operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Our highly trained staff and comprehensive range of terminal equipment are available to perform the most demanding stevedoring functions.
Our modern terminal management software maximises the efficiency of wharf and warehouse operations.
And last, but most important, we have helped to give the Port of Kingston the international reputation of being among the world's most stable ports because of our work with and commitment to the Joint Industrial Council that promotes harmonious labour relations at Port Bustamante.
And so today, we give thanks to the Lord for his protection and guidance, even as we recommit ourselves to continued improvement of Kingston Wharves Limited in the best interest of Jamaica.
We are making substantial investments in upgrading the terminal's infrastructure and administrative operations and have undertaken a massive modernisation programme that will put KWL in a better position to take advantage of marketing opportunities coming from growth in international trade and the domestic economy.
We ask the Lord's blessing on all these efforts so that all Jamaica will reap even greater benefits from the operations of Kingston Wharves Limited.
